How Seniors Can Deal with Age-Related Illnesses
Age-related illnesses are always a concern for seniors, as the risk of developing chronic conditions increases with age. A National Council of Aging research study shows that almost 95% of adults over 80 suffer from at least one condition. Also, 78.7% have two or more severe health issues related to aging.
Chronic diseases cause suffering and financial burdens for seniors, making them challenging to bear. The good thing is that proactive measures can be life-savers, or at least, they delay the onset of disease. However, many individuals lack awareness in this context and consider health issues a natural implication of aging.
In this article, we will list a few actionable tips for seniors to deal with age-related illnesses.
Understanding Age-Related Illnesses
As people age, their bodies undergo various physiological changes that result in an increased risk of health issues. The World Health Organization lists the common age-related illnesses seniors should be aware of. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Besides physical issues, cognitive decline is a condition one should be aware of.
Understanding the nature of these conditions helps seniors and their caregivers to have an effective management plan in place. The sooner they implement a care plan, the better the chances of these diseases slowing down. A proactive approach can even prevent these diseases besides slowing down their onset.
What are the normal signs of aging?
The normal signs of aging individuals should watch out for include changes in the skin, energy levels, and memory. Your bones become brittle and you may experience aches and pains on exertion or heavy lifting. Age-related decline also affects teeth and gums, heart rate, and libido.
Tips to Manage Age-Related Illnesses
Embrace a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Healthy eating is important for everyone, but even more for aging individuals. A balanced diet, in fact, can help prevent and manage age-related diseases. Focus on adding a variety of healthy foods to your diet.
Start with antioxidants-rich fruits and vegetables that combat inflammation. Load up on whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat as they provide essential fiber. Muscle mass can be maintained by consuming lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and legumes. Seniors should also consume healthy fat sources like nuts and avocados as they support heart health. Good hydration is also essential.
Stay Physically Active
Although aging reduces energy levels, seniors should still follow an active lifestyle. A 2022 study conducted by NIH states that regular physical activity has positive effects on the general well-being of aging individuals. Yet, seniors are not as physically active as they should be as per the recommendations.
Exercise helps strengthen muscles and bones and improve cardiovascular health. They also improve balance and coordination and curb the risk of falls at home or elsewhere. Ideally, seniors should engage in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly. Doing strength training exercises at least twice a week is also beneficial.
Prioritize Preventive Healthcare
Aging individuals must opt for regular check-ups and screenings. These are the best defense against chronic health issues as they can help with early detection and management. Routine screenings include those for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and cancer. Your healthcare provider can recommend how often you should get these screenings.
Staying proactive about health checks is another good way to stay a step ahead. A family nurse practitioner is equipped to perform most of the routine tests. Although there is an acute nursing shortage in the country, initiatives like accelerated BSN programs online are reducing the gaps. There are also options to pursue specializations like family nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric care.
According to Rockhurst University, online courses are affordable and offer clinical placements to the students. This makes them an attractive option for professionals seeking career transition and growth opportunities.
Why is preventive care important for seniors?
Preventive care can reduce the possibility and prevalence of health problems that people experience. For seniors, it is crucial to lower the risk of age-related chronic illnesses. With regular check-ups and timely intervention, potential health problems can be detected early and treated before they become serious.
Engage in Mental Stimulation
Keeping the mind active is just as important as preventive care and physical exercise. Not doing so can lead to cognitive decline in seniors, and the condition is far more serious than you can imagine.
According to ScienceDirect, cognitive stimulation does more than increase general cognitive functioning in aging adults. Besides improving memory, it can enhance language, praxis, orientation, and calculation. It helps both individuals who are cognitively healthy and those with mild dementia.
Seniors must engage in activities that challenge their cognitive abilities. Some examples are reading books or newspapers, solving puzzles, playing games, and learning new skills or hobbies. Social interaction is also important. During your golden years, you must participate in community events or clubs and foster connections with others.
What are the common reasons for cognitive decline in aging adults?
Cognitive impairment in seniors may have several possible causes. These include metabolic and/or endocrine dysfunction, depression, and dementia. Additionally, side effects of medications can affect cognitive function. In some cases, delirium due to illness such as a urinary tract infection can lead to cognitive decline.
Managing age-related illnesses is possible, no matter how difficult it sounds. A proactive approach that addresses diet, physical activity, preventive healthcare, and mental engagement, can be the key to helping seniors age gracefully. Whether you are in your golden years or looking after a senior, you can trust these tips.
